June Newsletter: Upcoming AGM, Expo, Address

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Help Elect Democrats with a Donation

“	Republican efforts to … preclude voting betray a fear that has nothing to do with voter fraud… Essentially, the GOP fears that when more Americans exercise their basic democratic rights, Republicans may have less chance of winning elections. ¹

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Your donation will fund Switzerland's Get Out the Vote campaign to send home as many votes as possible to support Democratic House, Senate, and gubernatorial candidates, and to elect a Democrat president in 2016.

Another Way to Support DACH with Cool Tees and Totes

Get an uber-cool Cow ♥ Donkey tee or tote with a contribution to DACH. Treat yourself to our exclusive swag, illustration courtesy of political cartoonist Rachel Berman. All donations help raise essential funds to Get Out the Vote this election year • Shop swag ‣

“More than textbooks: the political education of an American in Switzerland”

Don't miss: a poignant reflection by the youngest member of our ExCom on what motivated him to get involved with DA and his decision to vote in his first U.S. election:

“	…These realities may not be clear for those who've never lived in a foreign country. For Americans abroad, they're painfully obvious. The defining challenge of this generation will be to expand our country's thinking, reshaping the prevailing view of America's place in the world.
	Andrus Hatem in swissinfo.ch, 5/24/2016 • Read article ‣

Upcoming Events

Sun 5 June, Basel

Democrats Abroad Switzerland AGM

At our Annual General Meeting for all members, we will present a review of the past year and plans for the next twelve months. Attend in person or remotely via WebEx.

Find out about new leadership roles opening on the Executive Committee. Discover what you can do to help Democrats win this election. Join Dr. Rebecca Self discussing paths to success for the Democratic Party. Draft letters to your Reps about the issues that concern you. Request your absentee ballot and learn how to help others register to vote!

• Paddy Reilly's Pub, Steinentorstrasse 45, 4051 Basel • map
• 1. 1 - 2pm Lunch with the Executive Committee, à la carte (Note: Restaurant opens for lunch 1pm, not noon)
  2. 1:15pm Voter Registration training by Mariah Silkey
  3. 2 - 4pm Annual General Meeting
  4. 4 - 5pm Write your Rep / Register to vote
• RSVP to events@democrats.ch • indicate 'in-person' or 'remotely by WebEx'
• Follow the event on Facebook to receive updates
• ‣ Volunteer to Get Out the Vote at this event • sign-up online

Fri 10 - Sat 11 June, Zürich

Zurich Pride Festival

The two-day festival attracts thousands of visitors and includes a rich entertainment program and speeches, with food, bars and information stands all around Kasernenareal, Zürich. The March

begins Saturday at 2pm and leads from Helvetiaplatz to Werdmühleplatz.

• zurichpridefestival.ch
• ‣ Host voter registration at this event • email events@democrats.chDACH endeavors to make events of interest known to our membership. We are not affiliated with nor do we benefit from these events.

Sun 12 June, Basel

Expat Expo Basel

The annual event brings together over 100 clubs and businesses with English-speaking Swiss residents. Democrats Abroad Switzerland will be there for Get out the Vote voter registration and to sign up new members.

• Congress Center Basel, Messeplatz 21, 4005 Basel • map
• 11am - 5pm
• Admission is free!
• More details on Facebook
• ‣ Volunteer to Get Out the Vote at this event • sign-up online

Tue 21 June, Geneva

Race and Racism in American elections

Lecture by Christopher Parker, Associate Professor in Political Science, University of Washington

Race plays a key role in many American presidential campaigns. In 2016, Donald Trump has sought to build support through attacks on Mexicans and Muslims (among others). While bigoted arguments alienate many observers, could Trump's campaign actually advance the national conversation about race, thereby helping to heal the country's racial division?

This lecture is organized by Democrats Abroad Switzerland

• The Graduate Institute - Auditorium Ivan Pictet, Maison de la Paix, Chemin Eugène-Rigot 2, 1202 Geneva • map
• 6:30 - 8pm
• Register at The Graduate Institute website

Wed 22 June, Geneva

Fundraising Dinner

with special guest Professor Christopher Parker

We are pleased to invite members to an intimate dinner at a private residence in Geneva, with special guest Professor Christopher Sebastian Parker, University of Washington. The evening that follows his lecture at The Graduate Institute on "Race and racism in American elections", members are invited for dinner and discussion with Prof Parker and other Democrats Abroad. A unique opportunity to support DACH and our Get Out the Vote initiatives.

• Private Residence in Geneva (address provided following RSVP)
• 6:30 - 9:30pm
• Dinner is CHF 50.- per person
• RSVP in advance by completing the donation form (select "Fundraising dinner, Wed Jun 22 in Geneva" for Contribution purpose)

Fri 24 June, Geneva

Help Elect DACH-alum Marcus Courtney

Candidate for Washington State Representative

Many of us remember Democrats Abroad Switzerland's Treasurer from 2009-13. Marcus moved back to Seattle and is running as a progressive candidate for the Washington State Legislature, 43rd district. His friends in Geneva are holding a call-in fundraiser with Marcus and invite all members to join.

• Home of Karen Olson & Gregg Robins in Champel, Geneva (address provided following RSVP)
• 7 - 9pm
• RSVP at marcuscourtney.com/geneva_fundraiser
• marcuscourtney.com
  DACH endeavors to make events of interest known to our membership. During this primary process, we do not endorse any candidates for the Democratic Party ticket.

Fri 24 - Sun 26 June, Fribourg

Fribourg Pride 2016

Celebrate the 15th edition of "Pride Romande" at the Village between Fribourg University Pérolles and the college of Engineering and Architecture and the Parade on Saturday in the city center.

• fribourgpride.ch
• ‣ Host voter registration at this event • email events@democrats.ch

Sat 2 July, Zürich

Independence Day BBQ

Our friends at the American Club of Zürich are hosting the annual celebration with music, fireworks, hot dogs, hamburgers and cash bar for libations, with vegetarian options by advanced request. Early bird registration by Sat June 25.

• Fork & Bottle, Allmendstrasse 20, 8002 Zürich • map
• 6 - 11pm
• Adults: CHF 45.- AICZ members / CHF 55.- non members (CHF 60.- at door)
• Children 10 and under: CHF 20.-
• RSVP by email to info@acz.ch before June 25 for early bird pricing

Mon 4 July, Geneva

4th of July Celebration

Our friends at the AIC hold this annual celebration for family and friends with games, pitching machines and food trucks serving burgers and other favorites. Admission fee includes a meal at one of our food trucks and access to all activities.

• Place de la Fête, Campagne du Château, Le Grand Saconnex, Geneva • map
• 5 - 11pm
• Adults: CHF 30.- for ACA, AIWC members / CHF 50.- for non members
• Children 6 - 12: CHF 20.- (free 5 and under)
• Register at the American International Club of Geneva website
• ‣ Volunteer to Get Out the Vote at this event • sign-up online

Mon 25 - Thu 28 July, Philadelphia

Democratic National Convention

The formal nominating event for the Democratic candidates for President and Vice President. At the Convention, the Democratic Party also adopts the official Democratic Party platform.

• Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
• Passes for members may be obtained from DA or your home state delegates
• Email events@democrats.ch for more information
• demconvention.com

Save the Date

⚾ Slugout in the Dugout   cancelled

It's been quite a year for the Republicans.

Tue Nov 8

Election Night Party

• We are looking for Geneva-area volunteers to join the Party Planning Committe.
• Want an Election Night party in your area? Consider organizing it. Contact us and we'll see how we can help.
  ‣ Email events@democrats.ch to volunteer
  

DONATE

Your donation will fund Switzerland's Get Out the Vote campaign to send home as many votes as possible to support Democratic House, Senate, and gubernatorial candidates, and to elect a Democrat president in 2016.

¹ David Sirota, "Why Higher Voter Turnout Scares the GOP," In These Times, Sep 5, 2014.